Pin setting apparatus



Nom-24,1931. C ACKUS 1,333,813

PIN SETTING APPARATUS FiledJuly 14. 192e e sheets-sheet 2 NOV. 24, 1931. I y J, Q BACKUS y 1,833,813

PIN SETTING APPARATUS Filed July 14, 1926 :p6 Sheets-Sheet'. 3

Snowdon NOV. 24,1931. l I C. BACKUS 1,833,813

PIN SETTING APPARATUS Filed July 14, 192e e sheets-sheet 4 NOV. 24, 1931. y J, Q ACKUS I g55115:,.833,813

PIN SETTING APPARATUS 4' Filed Juiy 14, 192e G'sheetssheet 5 Nov. 24, 1931. J. c. BAcKUs- 1,833,813

' BIN SETTING ARPARTUS Filed July 14, 1926 G'Sheets-Sheet 6 1 1 vwentoz Q l d; auer/cking.

@512' y 3 l a, Guwmp Patented Nov. 24, i931 Y I UNIT/EDI s iATi-:s PATENT omer; s

v JOHN cLaY'roN anexos, or' simmroar, PENNSYLVANIA; mLrN Bmx a 'rnus'r comm AND FRED iiinvnn, or simrnroa'r. rENNsYLvaNm' mcu'rons or Vsain Jomr cna/Y'roN Bacxiis, niiciiasm) PIN SETTING APPARATUS appi'ieation aiea July i4, 192e. semi No. 122,434.

This invention relates to apparatus for settin and spotting the pins of'bowlingalleys an rovides an organism which may be supplie as a unit, or built in as occasion may require. v

The invention includes a carrier frame l mounted for vertical movement and adapted to receive the pins when elevated and deposit them upon the bed of the alley gently and Awithout noise or shock, there being counter` balancing means, preferably a springgroller 0 associated' with the carrier frame to contr its movements and, automatically return it to normal position after being lowered upon the alley.

The invent-ion contemplates locking means,

both for holding the pin carrier elevated and( lowered, the one being releasable by hand and the other being actuated automaticallyA to permit the in carrier to return to normal l .elevated position after beingI lowered.

The invention further supplies pin holding means for ripping the pins and preventing their sud en delivery upon the bed of the alley and means for gradually releasing the grip iipn the pins whereby the latter drop gently upon the alley without any noise or shock.

It is a further purpose of the invention tol utilize the descent of the carrier for tensioning a spring which, when released, operates the pin uprighting mechanism and the frame for closing' the pin clamps, the rearward movement `of the clamp operating -frame tensioning spring means which, when released, moves the frame in an opposite direction to release the pins, the relaxing of the grip upon the pins being gradual so that the pms are delivered upon the bed of the alle positingthe pins upon the' bed of the alley and the returning of the carrier frame to normal position and locking the same for the next operation. y

While thedrawings show a ractical embodiment of the inventionan a preferred structural organization, nevertheless, changes may be resorted to in adapting the invention to meet varying conditions without departin from the spirit thereof,'as defined in the su joined claims.

vReferring to the drawings hereto attached,.-

Figure 1 is a rear view of a ten pin settingapparatus embodying the invention, parts being broken away,

2-2 of Figure 1, v

Figure 3 is a vertical lon 'tudinal' 'sectional View on the line 3-.3 ofl igure 1,.look

vfing in the direction of the arrows, the dotted lines showing the position of the pins when ,placed upon the carrier, f v

Figurer 4 is a vertical, longitudinal sectional view on the line 4-4 of Figure 2, looking in the direction of the arrows,.sho'w ing the position of the parts after the pins have been uprightedv and gripped by the clamps preliminary to their delivery upon the bed of the alley.

Figure 2 is a horizontal section on the line Figure 5 is a detail sectional view on the j line 5-5 of Figure 4, I y

Figure 6 is a detail sectional view on the line 6 6 of Figure 4, p

Figure 7 is an enlarged detail perspective view of a side portion of the apparatus, show,

ing the normal position ofthe parts,

Figure 8 is a fragmentary sectional view ofthe spring roller, the locking means associated therewith, and adjunctive parts, showl in,c the same on a larger scale,

f Figure 9 is a detail sectional view on the line 9-9 ofJFigure 8, looking to the left, as

designated by the arrows,

' Fi re 10 is a fragmentary sectional view of a portion of the carrier frame, an end portion of one of the shafts 'of the pin uprighting mechanism, the loosepulleys mounted on said shaftand the cam'for effecting a release of the pulleys,

ioc-

Figure 11 is aifragmentary sectional view on the line 11-11 of Figure 10, looking in the direction of the arrows, the dotted lines showinvr the position of the cam,

igure 12 is a detail view of the parts illustratedin Figure 10, the pulleys being partly in section to show more clearly the locking mechanism,

Figure I13 is a roller operating asl counterbalancing means for the carrier frame and parts movable therewith,

Figure 14 is a detail sectional view of the means for effecting a gradual release of'the pins to permit their delivery upon the bed of the alley, without any noise, or shock,

Figure 15 is a fragmentary view inperspective ofa portion of one of the guides and carrier frame showing the latch for holding said frame elevated when not required for active service, and

AFigure 16 is a detail view'showing the usual runway for the balls and the dividing strip i between adjacent alleys, and the means for supporting the guides of adjacent pin setting apparatus.

` Corresponding and like parts ,are referred Ito in the following description and designated in the several views of the drawings by like reference characters.

The apparatus comprises a carrier, a pin shifter mounted upon the carrier and adapted to adjust the pins to upright or vertical position for delivery, ipping means for holding the pins, whereg; to prevent a sudden discharge thereof upon the alley, means for effecting a gradual release of the pins to ad-v mit of their delivery upon the alley without any appreciable shock or noise, locking means yfor securing the carrier both when elevated and when lowered, means for automatically tripping` the lower locking means to permit return of the carrier to normal position after the automatic delivery' of the pins upon the alleys, counterbalancing means f or the carrier and pins placed thereon adapted to automatically return the carrier to normal position after being relieved of the weight of the ins when discharged upon the alley, and

1 e rgdlcting the same in its vertical movements towards7 and away from the alley when 1n action.

The carrier consists of a frame approximately of triangular form and including oppositely inclined side members 1, parallel longitudinal members 2 and a rear transverse member 3. A plurality of parallel cross members 4 connect the si e members 1 and project a short distancebeyond the -side members, as shown most'clearly in Figure 2. The cross members 4 varyin length and serve to stilfen and reinforce the carrier frame besides providing supporting means for the pin lshifter and adjunctive parts. Short bars detail view of the spring` means mounting'the carrier and di-t carrier frame and each receives a blockV 6 i which is secured to vits outer end. Each of these blocks has a vertical rod 7 attached thereto and passing loosely through the bent ends 8 of a vertical plate 9 attached to a vertical plate 10 which is sli'dably mountedupon a vertical guide 11 attached to a convenient erably consists of a metal bar of T-form and the plate 10 is provided with vupper and lower clips 12 which embrace opposite edge portions of the guide 11 to hold the plate 10 in given position and direct it in its vertical movements. A plurality of longitudinal bars 13 are disposed between the side members 1 and the rear transverse member 3 in relation and .equi-distantly spaced. he bars 13 are located in the plane of the members 1 and 3 and are connected thereto in any preferred way and constitute a part ofthe carrier frame and provide supporting means for the pin shifter and coordinate parts. The cross members 4 are secured to the longitudinal bars 13, as well as to the side membersk 1. Pin stops and guides 14 are attached to the longitudinal bars 13 and are arranged to coincide with the position of the pins when properly set upon the alley. The pin stops and guides 14 are preferably of sheet metal, although any suitable material may be utilized in forming the same, and they` are of circular foutline to conform to the major diameter of the pins to admit of their free passage therethrough when discharging upon the alley, The rear portion of the pin stops and ides 14 is cut away, as shown most clear in Figure 2, to provide clearance for the pins when placed 1n position upon the carrier, as indicated by thedotted lines in Figure 3. The front portion of the pin stop .and guide '14 is extended vertically a distance to insure arresting of the forward movement of the pins when thrown upon the carrier ina none too careful manner by an attendant. The upper rear side portions of the pin stops and guides are cut away, as shown most clearly 1n Figure 3 of the drawings, for clearance to admit of free movement of the pins from a recumbent position as indicated in the dotted lines in Figure 3, toan upright or vertical position, as shown in ure 4V of the drawings.

A pair of clamps-15 is associatedwith each of the pin stops and guides 14 and the clamps of each pair are disposed at opposite sides of the respective pin stops 14 and are pivoted to the bars 13. The clamps 15 are curved to conform to the diameter of the pins, so as t0 grip the sides'thereof to insure a proper spotting of the pins, when delivered upon the valley. The clamps 15 are preferably formed of sheet metal and they are pivoted to the -carrier Vframe at their upper ends so as to. swing laterally at their lower ends. The' portion of the alley. The guide 11 pref` sof arallel Figcurvature of the clamps also results in the provision of cams for cooperation with ele- `ments 16, whereby the clamps 13 and sli ably mounted in hangers 19 at-v tached to the resective cross members 4. The longitudinal ars 18 are connected by cross bars 2 0, whereby to form a clamp o erating frame which has a limited lon 'u nal movement to effect a closing of the c amps and a release thereof to admit of a discharge l Coil springs 21 form yieldable of the pins.

between the carrier frame connecting means .and the clamp operating frame and these indicated most clearly in springs normally hold the clamp operating frame at the limit of its forward movement.

and exert a rearward pull thereon when said springs are subjected to tension in a manner hereinafter to be described.

The "pin shifter or uprighting means in cludes a plurality of U-shaped elements 22 and transverse shafts 23 to which the respective lifting elements 22are connected, whereby the shafts and lifting elements move in unison. A lifting element 22 is provided for each pin sto and guide 14 and is located rearwardly tiie Figure 3 of the drawings. The several shafts 23 are mounted in bearings applied to the carrier frame and increase in length from-the front to the rear of the carrier frames. so that the front shaft is the shortest and receives a single lifting element `22, whereas the rear shaft 23 is the longest and has four lifting elements 22 mounted thereon. The several shafts are connected in series by means of links 24 and25 to insure synchronous movethird and last shafts.

ment of the shafts and lifting elements. links 25 connect the lifting elements of the front and the second shafts. The links 24 connect the lifting elements of the second, When the shafts 23 are rotated in a clock-wise direction, the lifting elements 22are elevated from the inclined position shown in Figure 3, to the upright or approximately vertical position shown in Figure 4, w1th the result that the pins 26 are uprighted preliminaryv to their discharge upon the alle p A pin rest and guidse is associated with each of the pin stops and guides 14 to receive the pins 26 when supplied -to the carrier preliminary to being, placed upon the alley. The pin rests 'and' guides comprise U-shaped elements 27 which are attached to the carrier frame. Longitudinal bars 28'connect -Correspending"lfront and rear elements 27 and are spaced apart a distance to receive and support the pins 26 when placed thereon l tion of and may be mounted reof and normally inclines, as-

The

ments 22, as indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 3of the drawings. The elements 27 associated with the rearmost pin stops 14 and lifting elements 22 do not requirel the associabars 28 therewith, because of their position. The pin rests and 'guides are fixed` upon the carrier frame in any preferred Way and serveas convenient means for' receiving, supporting and directing ythe pins 26 to proper place when thrown upon the carrier when loading the same.

While the vertical guides 11 may be of any constructlon and supportedin any convenient and substantial Way, nevertheless, the means illustrated are preferred, particularly in installations having a dividing strip 29 at each side of the alley and which form separating means between adjacent alleys. The run way 30 for the balls 3Qa is usually disposed above the dividing strip 29, hence the desirability of providing brackets, which, as shown, comprise arms 31 and an attaching base 32. The y arms 31 curve so as to clear the run-way 30 l and the base 32 is slotted as indicated at 33 to receive the fastenings 34 and admit of adjustment vof the brackets on the dividing strip 29. A flange 35 atthe upper edge of the base 32 overlaps the dividing strip 29 and sustains the major part of the load carried by the brackets'. The upper ends of the guides 11 are attached to a suitable overhead structure 36 which may form a part of the apparatus` or' a part of the alley.'

vOne of the shafts 23 has a depending arm 37 which is connected by means of a link 38 to the clamp operating vframe Figure 3. When the shafts 23 are' rotated to move the .elements 22 into vertical position for upright-l ing the pins 26, the clamp operating frame is caused to move rearward, with the result that the springs 21 are tensioned. This rearward movement of the clamp operating frame causes/the rollers 16. to ride upon the clamps Y 40l are `loose upon the, shaft and are disposed between the pulleys 39 and the longitudinal members 2 of the carrier-frame. Locking means are associated with the Ipulleys 39 and 40 to cause both to rotate in unison under certain conditions and admit of independent rotation under certain other conditions. The pulleys 39 and 40 are provided with openings which are adapted in one position of the pul- `leys to register and these openings receive a spring actuated locking pin 41 and a releasing pin 42, the latter projecting and adapted to ride upon acam 43 whereby the pin 42 is moved lnward a distance to cause the lock' infr pin' 41 to clear the pulley 40- and thereby a mit of relative independent rotation of the pulleys. The am 43 is mounted upon `the outer side of the member 2. An arm 44 projects from the pulley and a coil spring 45 connects the outer end thereof with an arm 46a attached to the slide 10, the arrangement of the parts being such that during'the final descent of the carrier the springs 45 are tensioned to admit of the pulleys 40 being rotated when released. A dog 46 is pivoted at one end to the carrier frame and cooperatesl with the pulley 40 to prevent rotation thereof during the final descent of the carrier frame and the tensioning of the spring 45. A rod 47 is connected at its lower end to Kthe free end of the dog 46 and its upper end terminates in an'eye 48 which slidably receives a rod 49 depending from the arm 46a. The lower end of the depending rod 49 terminates in an eye 50 which slidably receives the rod 47. When the carrier frame reaches the limit of its downward movement the rod 47 has reached a` position to bring the eye 48 in engagement wltli the eye 50 so that in the final downward movement of the carrier the dog 46 is moved to effect release of the pulley 40.A -This is shown most clearly in Figure 4 of the drawings. A bar 51 parallels the rod 7 and is connected at its upper end thereto for movement therewith. The lower en'd of the bar 51 passes loosely through a plate 52 projected laterally from the carrier frame. A dog 53 is pivoted to the lower end of the bar y51 and its lower end is adapted to engage a notch 54 in the pulley 39. A flat spring 55 is secured tothe bar 51 and exerts a pressureon the dog 53 to normally hold it in engagement with the pulley 39, so thatl when the pulley reaches a position with the notch 54 opposite the engaging end of the dog 53 y.the latter will enter the notch 54.- A trip 56 is attached to the upperl portion of the bar 51 and serves to effect a release of the counterbalance whereby the carrie-r, when relieved of the weight of the pins is automatically returned to normal position. This will be described morey fully hereinafter.

A spring roller 57 is located a determinate distance above the alley and extends transversely thereof and is mounted in the side pieces 36 of the overhead structure. The coil spring 58 within the roller 57 is adapted to be tensioned and for this purpose, a shaft 59 passes through the roller and spring, one end of the latter being connected to the shaft and the opposite end to the roller. The spring 58 is tensioned to a greater or less extent by rotation of the shaft 59, the 'sa-nie being held in the adjusted position by means of a ratchet wheel 60 fast to a projecting end thereof and a dog 61 pivoted to-a side piece 36 and adapted to engage the teeth of the ratchet wheel 60.

' l Pulleys 62 and 63 are fast to the spring roller 57, the `pulleys 62 being disposed near the ends of the roller and the pulley '63 about midway thereof. Flexible connections 64, such `as chains, connect the rear portion of the carrier frame with the pulleys 62 and a flexible connectionY 65 connects the front portion of the carrier frame with the pulley 63 and passes over a guide pulley 66 at the outer end of an extension or arm 67 of the overhead structure. The spring 58 is tensioned to counter- 'balance the carrier frame and a predetermined number ofV pins 26 and when the carrie'r frame has discharged its load the spring 58 comes into play to return the carrier to normal position by winding the flexible connections 64 and 65 on the respective pulleys 62 and 63. Each of the pulleys 62 1s supplied with a stop which constitutes an extension of a bloc'k 68 attached to the side thereof and a lock member is located upon each side of the stop to engage the same and prevent rotation of the spring roller 57 in either direction. These lock members are of similar formation and are designated by the nu- Inerals 69 and 70, the latter being mounted to receive a pivotal movement and a longitudinal movement, whereas the member 69 ismounted to receive a longitudinal movement only. Each of the lock members 69 and 70 is longitudinally slotted and receives a spring actuated block 71, whereby provision is had for an outward movement of the lock mem-` bers against the tension of the springs coacting with the block 71. The lock member 70 operates to prevent a clock-wise movement of the roller 57. The lockvmember 69 operates to prevent a counter-clock-wise movement of the roller 57.

Cross pieces 72 and 73 are located above the 105 alley and serve as connectingmeans for the side pieces 36 and supporting means for the respective lock members 69 and 70. Supports 74 carried by the cross piece 72 engage beneath the lock members 69 and maintain them 110 in horizontal position. A transverse shaft 75 mounted in the side pieces 36 has lifters 76 in position to engage under the lock member 70 for elevating their inner ends to clear the stops of the pulleys 62, whereby the roller 67 1.16 may rotate in a clock-wise directionsl An arm 77 fast to the shaft 75 depends therefrom at a forward inclination and terminates in a lateral eye 78 through which an operating cord 79 or like flexible element passes and termi- 120 of the spring when it is required to lower the carrier, either to spot the pinsorto. deposit a fewpins` upon the alley. The initial pull j upon the cord7 9 eiects a turning of the shaft 75 and a lifting of the inner ends of the lock l members 70 so that a continued pull upon the cord will effect a clock-wise rotation of the roller 57 and a lowering of the carrier. A cord 80 or like flexible element is connected 10 at one end to the lower end of the arm 77 and passes over a guide pulley 81L suspended from the cross piece 72 and extends within convenient reach to be pulled upon when it y\ifs\desired todisengage the lock `members 70 romthenstpps of the pulleys 62 so that the roller 57 mafbfreeto turn in a clock-wise direction under the combined weight of the carrier and the pins thereon.

The lock member 69 includes side plates 81 and a block 82 whi'chlS- vptgd at its'uppfer` -Y finnercorlertothe'side p ats, as'indicated at 83. The pivoted block 82 carries a pin 84 which proiects at opposite ends to enter notches 85' 'in the upper edges of the side 25.plates 81, whereby to hold the block 82 in normal position. Links 86 disposed against the outer sides of the plates 81 and pivoted at their lower ends thereto are notched in their edges as indicated at 87 to receive the projecting ends of the pins 84 to hold the block 82 from upward movement. A forked link 88 ispivoted to the upper ends of the links 86 and is connected to the upper end of an arm 89 projecting from a transverse shat 90. llhe block 82 is normally held in operative position by means of a s ring 91'. lever 92 pivoted intermediate its ends to a side piece 36 is connected at one end to an arm 93 projecting from the shaft 90 and itsV 4o opposite end is connected to the upper end o a vertical rod 94 which extends along the adjacent guides 11 and passes loosely through a llug 95 and terminates in a lateral extension 96 which is disposed inthe path of the trip 56 to be operated thereby to release the pivoted block 82 which is free to turn to admit of counter-clock-wise movement of the roller 57, whereby the carrier may be returned to V normal position. By having the lock-memerates as a butler to minimize the shock when the stops 68 strikel either one of the lock members when the roller 57 reaches the limit of its rotationzin either direction. A spring 97 normally exerts a dow'n pull upon the inner connecting ends of the arms 93 and `lever 92. A spring 98 normally holds the shaft 75 in predetermined position and is connected at one end to an element projecting upwardly from the shaft 75. A stop 99 li1nits the movement of the shaft 75 in one direction and engages the arms 77. l

When the pin setting apparatus is not required for faction and the pins .are set in the 5 accustomed way, the carrier'is elevated and bers69 and 70` yieldably mounted each opsgsia held out of the way by means of a latch 100 I' upon the alley, a cylinder 101 is mounted upon the carrier frame and a piston 102 operating therein has its rod 103 connected to one of the lifting elements 22 so as to retard the return movementof the lifting element and the clamp operating"k frame connected thereto. As a result the clamp operating frame moves slowly, thereby gradually releasing the clamps 15 and allowing the pins 26 to settle slowly upon the alley. After the piston 102 passes a point in the cylinder 101 provided with a relief opening 104, the clamp operating frame isfree to receive a quic movement underhthe action of theI'ingsQfL A valve 105 at the forward end of the c linder 101 controls the ingress of air an the movement of the piston 102 as will be readily appreciated. When the bar 51 is drawn downward by the counter-clockwise movement of the pulley 39 engaging the dog 53, la spring 106 mounted on said bar is compressed and operates to return the bar to normal 'position when the dog 53 is disengaged from the notch 54 of the pulley 39. Feet 107 depend from the carrier and their lower ends are paddedand these feet prevent shock and A from a sudden pull upon the cord 79. Moreover, these feet limit the downward' movevment of the carrier and prevent the lower ends of the clamps 15 from coming in contact with the al'leyl The longitudinal bars 18 are cut away adjacent the rollers 16 to provide ampleclearance for the clamps 15 when the clamp operating frame is in normal position. This is shown most clearly in Figure 5 of the drawings. In the operation of theapparatus, the parts occupying the relative positions shown in Figure 4 of the drawings, the in receiving and-carrier frame being elevate ,-a predetermined distance above the bed of the alley and held in such position by the lock-y ing means. The pin .boy or other attendant places the pins 26 uponthe carrier frame, said pins assuming the inclined position indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 3, their forward ends being in contact with the stops 14 and their rear ends resting upon the cross pieces of the lifting elements 22 so as to be uprighted thereby when the lifting elements are moved into the position indicated in Figure 4. When the carrier frame receives a full set of pinsv it automatically descends when the lock member 70 is moved to release the spring roller .57 bypulling uponeither one of the cords 79 or 80. `When `pulling upon either of the cords 79 or 80, tho'. arm77` is' moved to effect a rockin and in consequence the 1i ters 76 operate to disengage the lock members 70 from the stops rotation of the roller 57 to cause the descent' 68 of the pulleys 62 when the spring-roller 57 will be rotated in aclock-wise direction by of the frame with the pins thereon. This ae.- tion is also necessary when the apparatus 1s Y n`utilized t-o accurately spot the pins by a lowering of the frame, as will be readily appreciated. At a point in the YYdescent of tllgpin \carryingrfametheslid/16are arles/ted in their downward movement by the lower clips 12 coming in contact with stops 109 at the lower yends ofthe guides 11 and this results in an arrest of the downward .movement of the arms 46a and the rods 49. In the continued movement of the carrier frame the springs 45 are tensioned and when said frame reaches the limit of its downward movement the dog 46 is disengaged from the pulley 40, this being effected by contact ofthe eye 48 of the rod 47 with the eye 50 of the rod 49. The ulleys 40 being released from the locking og 46 and being locked to the pulleys 39 are rotated in a clock-wise direction by the action of the springs 45, thereby effecting a rotation of the connected series of shafts 23, whereby the pins 26 are uprighted and dropped between the clamps 15 which have been closed by the action of the clamp operating frame moving rearwardly, and causing the rollers 16 to press correspondingclalnps together, whereby to grip the pins 26 and prevent them from droppmg upon thel bed of the alley. It must be remembered that the .clamp operating frame is connected to one of the shafts 23 of the pin elevating or uprighting mechanism and in consequence said frame is moved rearwardly simultaneously with the forward movement of the pin elevating mechanism. This rearward movement of the clamp operating frame' tensions the springs 21. 'At a point in the clock-wise rotation of the pulleys 39 and 40, the dog 53 engages the notch 54 of the pulley 39 and at this moment the pulley 39 is released from the pulley 40 by the` pin 42 engaging and riding upon the cam 43. The instant the pulleys 39 and 40 are disengaged the springs 21 previously tensioned operate to move the clamp operating frame forwardly, thereby withdrawing the rollers 16 from engagement with the clamps 15 to release the same. The

forward movement of the clamp operating frame is controlled by the action of the piston 102 in the cylinder 101 so that the gripping acgtvipn pi the, clampsd 1 5`upon the pins 26 is gradually relaxed and the pins permitted to slowly settle upon the bed of the`alley withg out any noise or shock. When the pins final- 51 descends the trip 56 is broughtincenta'ct with thestop 96 and ih the continued descent of the bar 51 the rod 94 is drawn downward, thereby operating the lever V92 and rocking the shaft 90 in a counter-elock-wise direction, and eli'gtinggyL release of the mov- 69 and permitting thev roller 57 to rotate in a counter-clock-wise direction under the tension of the spring 58 so as to'wind the chains or analogous connections 64 and 65 upon the respective pulleys 62 and 63, thereby returning the carrier frame to normal or predetermined position for the next operation.

The plates 1'0'and the rods 7 have a relative'sliding movement to each other and to the respective guides 1l, hence the parts 10 and 7 may be considered as elements of a double'slide. These double sli-des permit of the proper tensioning of the operative springs 45 by stopping one slide 10 at a point where the continued downward movement of the second slide 7 will be the proper movement to give the right tension to the operative springs 45 and it is readily seen that the relative movement of the two slides can-be regulated so as to obtain any relative movement required. Also, it is the twopiece slide 10 and 7 that permits the raising of'machine from operative position to the out of use position and this is peculiar solelyto this machine. It is further observed that after this double slide has been set in proper relative position that when the pin carrier descends all parts mounted thereon lower with it. lVhen the descent of the slides 10 is arrested by contact with the stops 109 the downward movement of the arms 46n attached thereto likewise ceases. The slides 7 continue to move downward, thereby .tensioning the springs 45. If it were not for the double slides and their action, the operative springs 45, the dog 46, and autoniatic latch 51 would require their upper ends to be attached to the overhead framework and they would receivedouble the up and down movement necessitated by the presentarrangcment. Moreover when the pin carrier is in normal position or upper position the rod 51 would extend far above the overhead framework and in case of the out of use position it would extend muchy otherwise would preclude .the setting up of j the machine. l

Having thus described the inventionfI claim: 1

1. In pin setting apparatus, a carrier frame mounted for vertical movement towards and away from the bed of the alley, locking means for holding the carrier in lowered position and trip means actuatedl by the carrier in its final downward movement to effect automatic release of the locking means, whereby the carrier is free to return to normal position after reachingI the limit of its descent.

2. In pin setting apparatus,` a carrier frame mounted for vertical movement, counterbalancing means therefor including a rotary member, locking means in cooperative relation with said rotary member to prevent movement thereof, and a yieldable mount for the locln'ng means to admit of the same functioning as a buffer.

3.- In pin setting apparatus, a' vertically imovable carrier, counterbalancing means therefor including a rotary member, oppositely disposed locking means to prevent ro tation of said member in either direction, manually operable means for effecting release lof a locking means to permit lowering of ythe carrier, and automatic` means actuated by descent of the carrier to eiect release of the other-locking meansto permit return `of vthe carrier to normal posit-ion.

' 4. In pin setting apparatus, a' vertically movable carrier, counterbalancing` means therefor including a rotary member, a pivoted lock member adapted to co'act with the said rotary member, lock releasing means including a swinging arm, a iexible element (lll connected with the swinging arm for actuating the same, a second flexible element loosely engaging the swinging arm and Wound about the said rotary member to effect airelease of the lock member and a positive rotation of the rotary member for lowering the carrierL when the weight thereof is insuicient to overcomle the counterbalance.

5. In pin setting apparatus, a vertically movable carrier, counterbalacing means therefor including a rotary memberL `lock means associated with said rotary member to .hold the carrier in predetermined position,

lock releasing means and a tiexible element loosely engaging 'the lock releasing means and wound about the 4said rotary member, whereby tol effect positive rotation thereof when released to effect lowering of the carrier when its weight is insuiiicient to overcome the counterbalance.

6. In pin setting 7. n insettingap '.arota with the said rotary member to vgag'ing the said stop elements to retain -th .s .9

apparatus, fa vertically member pivotally and yieldablymounted and i adapted to coact with said rota? prevent rotation. thereof in one irection and to function as-a buffer and releasable 'means for disengaging the lock member from the rotar member. Y

specifi ,Y a vertic. ly movable carrier, counterbalancing means therefor including member, a lock member including a element normally in engagement vprevent rotation thereof, means mounted upon the lock Ainember for normally holdingtthe pivoted 'ele-v ment in redetermined position, and means l' pivote member to aratiis ofthe character` for tripping said holding meansto effect rel leaseof the pivoted element.

8. In pin setting apparatus ofthe character set forth, a vertically. movable carrier, counterbalancing means therefor including a rotary member, a lock member including l yside plates and apivoted element there-between, stop' elements projecting from op' osite sides of the pivoted elementand norma y engaging said side plates, links upon opposite sides of the lock member and vnormally enpivotedv element in normal position, an

actua-tingl means 'for vreleasing the nsaid pivoted element to admity of movement of the said rota member. v 9.111 pin setting apparatus, of thechar acter specified, a vertically movable carrier,"

the rotary member and .-carrier, alock member including side plates anda pivoted ele-` ment therebetweem normally in engagement with said rotary memberto prevent rotation thereof, a in mounted in'the said pivoted element an projecting beyond opposite sides thereof to enga the side plates of the lock member, links pivoted to the lock member and notched to receive the projecting ends of the said pin to hold the pivoted element'in predetermined position, and'nieans for eifectin release of the links from the pin toadmit o free movement of the pivoted element.

1Q. In pin setting apparatus, av vertically movable carrier, counterbalancing -mean's therefor including a rotary memberthaving a 11. In pin setting apparatus of the character'specitied, the combination with a carrier,

stops thereon `for 'positioning the pins, a cona rotary member, connecting means between nected series of pivoted elements, means for -trolling the speed of operation of the releasing means.

12. Inl pin setting apparatus of the character specified, a carrier, stops thereon to position the pins, pivoted elements disposed in the rear ofthe respective ystops and normally inclined, means for actuating the pivoted elements lfor uprighting the pins in conjunction with the said stops, means for receiving the pins as they are raised by the pivoted elements and holding them `above the alley, means for operating the receiving means to release the pins, and retarding devices for controlling the speed of operation of the releasing mean/s. f

13. Inpin setting apparatus," a carrier, pin stops thereon, a plurality of shafts mounted upon the carrier, vpin uplifting elements fast to the respective shafts, Aconnecting means between the pinuplifting elements of the respective shafts to eiect a synchronous movement thereof, means for turning the shafts and operating the pin uplifting'elements, devices for receiving the pins as they are uplifted and holding them 'ab`ove the floor, means for operating the receiving devices in synchronism with the uplifting de-f vices, and means for operating the holding devices to open and close the same.

14. In pin setting apparatus, a carrier, pin clamps thereon, a frame movably mounted lupon the carrier, elements on -the frame adapted to engage the pin clamps and eil'ect a closing thereof for gripping the pins to prevent their discharge. means for stopping the carrier above the alley floor; and means for moving the frame to release the clamps and deposit the pins.

15. Inpin setting apparatus, a carrier, pin clamps thereon, a frame movably mounted upon thev carrier and elements on the frame adapted to engage the pin clamps and eii'ect a closing thereof for gripping the pins to prevent their discharge, and means for retarding the movement of said frame in a re Verse direction, whereby to gradually relax the grip of the clamps to permit the pins to gently discharge upon the bed of the alley.

16. In pin setting apparatus, the combination with a carrier for receiving and supporting pins, means for stopping the carrier so as to hold the pins above but adjacent the alley, pin clamps mounted on the carrier, of a movable frame and clamp`operating elements carried by the movable frame to effect a closing of the clamps upon movement of the frame in one direction and a release of the clamps when the frame is moved in a reverse direction.

17.v In in. setting a aratus of the character specilied, the coing? for receiving andA supporting the pins, and clamps thereon for gripping the pins, of a frame movable longitudinallyl on the carrier and clamp operating elements on said frame adapted to ride upon the clamps to effect a closing -thereof when the frame is moved in one direction and to clear the clamps when the frame is moved in an opposite direction to permit release of the clamps.

18. In pin setting apparatus, the combina- A-tion with a carrier for the pins, clamps pivoted to the carrier and havin'g cam portions, a frame movable longitudinally of the carrier and elements on the framebto coact with the mation with a carriercam portions ofthe clamps to close the latter when the frame is' moved in one direction and to release the clamps when the frame is moved in a reverse direction.

19. In pin setting mechanism, the combination 'with a carrier for the pins, Aclamps thereon and pin uprighting'v mechanism, of clamp operating means, connecting means between the uprighting mechanism, and the "sioned upon the descent of the carrier for actuating the pin uprighting and clamp operating mechanisms, including' a lock mechanism for normally holding the spring operating means inactive during the tensioning thereof and a trip mechanism for releasing the lock mechanism to permit action of the said spring operating mechanism.

21. In a pin setting apparatusof the character specified, the combination of a vertically movable carrier for the' pins, pin uprighting mechanism, clamps for gripping the pins, clamp operating means, connecting means between the pin uprightingmeans -and the clamp operating mechanism, a spring connection between the carrier and the pin uprighting means, spring operating means tensioned upon theJ descent of the carrier for actuating thel pm uprighting and clamp operating mechanisms, including a lock `mechanism for normally holding the spring operclamp operating means, a yieldable connec-v ating means inactive during the tensioning I thereof and a trip mechanism for releasing the lock mechanism to permit action of the said spring operating mechanism, and means for retarding the reverse movement of the l clamp operating mechanism for gradually relaxing the grip of the clamps upon the pins, to permit the latter to settle gently upon the bed of the alley.

22. lIn pin setting apparatus, the combination `of a vertically movable pin carrier, pin clamps thereon, clamp operating mechanism, a spring connection between the pin carrier and the clamp operating mechanism, spring operating means vfor the clamp operating' mechanism adapted to be tensioned during the descent of the pin carrier, locking means between the spring operating means and the clamp operating mechanism, and means for effecting release of the said locking mechamsm.

23. In pin setting mechanism, the combinaf tion of a pin carrier mounted fory vertical movement, pin clamps thereon, clamp operating mechanism, a spring connection between the pin carrier and the clamp operating mechanism, spring operating means for the clamp operating mechanism adapted tov be tensioned upon the descent ofthe carrier frame, locking means for securing the spring operating means during the tensioning thereof, a trip mechanism for releasing saidlocking means, and a lock mechanism for releasing the clamp operating mechanism to permit a reverse movement thereof.

24. In pin setting apparatus, the combination of a vertically movable pin carrier, pin clamps thereon, clamp operating mechanism, spring means for moving the clamp operating mechanism in a reverse direction and adapted to be tensioned during the movement of said mechanism to close the clamps, spring operating means for the clamp operating mechanism adapted to be tensioned upon the descent of the pin carrier, means for holding the clamp operating mechanism inactive during the tensioning of the operating spring, means Jfor tripping thenlocking means. .a lock mechanism between the spring operating means and the clamp operating mechanism, and means for releasing the last mentioned lock mechanism.

25. In pin setting apparatus, the combination of a vertical movable pin carrier, pin clamps thereon, a clamp operating frame,

a-spring connection between the pin carrierv and clamp operating frame adapted to be tensioned during the operation of the clamp operating frame to close the clamps, an operating spring. adapted to be tensioned during the final lwering of the pin carrier, fast and loose pulleys, there being connecting ineanis between the fast pulley and the clamp operating frame, connecting means vbetween the loose pulley and the operating spring, a dog for holding the loose pulley during the tensioning of the operating spring, trip means for disengaging the dog from the loose pulley,locking means between the fast and loose pulleys and means for releasing the' .clamp operating Jframe adapted to'be tensioned during the operation of the clamp operating fraine to close the clamps, an operating spring adapted to be tensioned during the final lowering ofthe pin carrier, fast and loose pulleys, there being'connecti'ng means between the fast pulley and the clamp operating frame, connecting means betweenthe loose pulley and the operating spring, a dog for holding the loose pulley during the tensioning ofthe operating spring, trip meansl for disengaging the dog from the loose pul-l leys, a bar movablewith the pin carrier, a

dog carried by said bar and adapted to engage the fast pulley, a spring between said bar and the pin-carrier, adapted to be tensioned by the downward movement of the bar, and means for retarding the reverse movement of the clamp operating frame.

27. In pin setting apparatus, the combination of a vertically movable lpin carrier, clamps thereon, a'clamp operating frame, a shaft, connecting means betweensaid shaft and the cla-mp 4operating frame, spring means between the pin carrier andl clamp operating frame., adapted to be` tensioned when said frame is actuated to operate the clamps, an operating spring adapted to be tensioned in the final descentiof the pin carrier, fast and loose pulleys on the said shaft, connecting means between the operating spring and the loose pulley, a dog for securing the latter during the tensioning of the operating spring, trip means for releasing said dog, locking means between the fast and loose pulleys, a vertically movable bar, a dog carried by said bar adapted to engage the fast pulley, a

spring between said bar and pin carrier and adapted to be tensioned when the bar is drawn downward by the action of the fast pulley, locking means between the said fast and loose pulleys, means for effecting release of the two pulleys, retarding vmeans for causing a slow reverse movement `of the clamp operating frame, locking means for holding the pin carrier in lowered position and a trip mechanism for releasing the locking means to permit of the return of the'pin carrier to normal position.

28. In pin setting apparatus, the combination of a vertically movable vpin carrier, counterbalancing means therefor, lock means to prevent reverse movement of the counterbalancing means, a bar mounted upon the pin carrier and having an independet vertical movement, 'a trip carried by said bar, connecting means' leading from the before-mentioned lock mechanism andincluding a. stopy to be engaged by the said trip, whereby to release the counterbalancing means to permit the return of the p in carrier to normal position and actuating means for the said bar.

29. In pin setting a para-tus, a carrier, pin clamps thereon, a shigter frame for uprighting the pins, a slidable frame for closing the pinvclamps and both frames interconnected whereby the movement of either one-causes a movement of the other one.

30. In pin setting apparatus, a carrier, pin clamps thereon, a shifter frame for uprighting the pins, a slidable frame for closing the pin clamps and both frames inter-connected whereby the movement of either frame causes a reverse movement of the other frame.

31. In pin setting apparatus, a carrier, pin clamps thereon, a shifter frame for uprighting the pins, a. movable frame for closing the pin clamps and both frames inter-connected whereby the uprighting of the pins and the closing of the pin clamps are slmultaneous.

32. In pin setting apparatus, the combination of double slides, a pin carrier mounted upon one of the slides, pin delivery mechanism on the carrier, and operative connections between the pin delivery mechanism and the other slide brought into play when the movement of the last mentioned slide is arrested and the pin carrier and its slide continue to move.y

33. In pin setting apparatus, the combination 'of double slides, a pincarrier mounted upon one of the slides', pin delivery mechanism on the carrier, and vspring means for operating the pin delivery mechanism connected with the other slide and tensioned by a continued movement of the first mentioned slide after the movement of the last mentioned slide has been arrested.

34. In pin setting apparatus, the combination of double slides, a pin carrier movable with one of the slides, pin delivery mechanism on the carrier, sprmg means for Voperating the pin delivery mechanism connected with the other slide and adapted to be tensioned by a relative movement of the slides, and trip means for releasing-the spring operating means after the same has attained a predetermined tension.

35. In pin setting apparatus, the combina- `tion of guides, primary slides on the guides,

auxiliary slides mounted on the primary slides, a pin carrier mounted on the auxiliary slides, pin delivery mechanism on the ,pin carrier, stops for arresting the downward movement of the primary slides without al'ecting the continued downward movement of the auxiliary slides and the parts mounted thereon, and pin operating means having connection with the primary slides and brought into play by a continued'movement of the auxiliary slides after the movement of the primary slides has been arrested.

36. A pin-setting machine for bowling alleys, comprising a frame movable toward and from the alley bed, bottom rests carried by leys, comprising a frame suspended for vertlcal movement above the alley bed and havlng-pockets therein for receiving pins to be positioned, and setting means carried by said frame for engaging said pins bodily at points remote from the greatest diameter of their body portions, said pin-engaging means` being further adapted to positlon said pins I on said alley bed.

38. A frame for receiving pins and positioning the same on a bowling alley, comprising a plurality of pin-receiving pockets, pin-engaging and positioning means mounted on said frame, means for normally holding said pin-engaging means out of engagement with said pins, and means carried by said frame for actuating said pin-engaging means to engage the pins and position lthe same upon the alley bed, said holding means being automatically actuated to disengage said pin-engaging means after the pins have been positioned.

39. In a pin setting apparatus, means for automatically positioning thepins above and in proximity to the alley bed, means for releasing the pins to permit4 them to settle downward in upright position on the alley bed, and means for automatically limiting the speed of said releasing means vwhereby the pins shall be deposited gently and without jar on the bed.

40. In a pin setting'apparatus, means for automatically uprighting the pins on the pin carrier into a position immediately above and in proximity to the alley bed when the carrier is lowered into proximity to the bed, means for releasing the pins from engagement'with the pincarrier to permit them to settle in upright position on to the alley bed, means urging the carrier to7an elevated position, means releasing the carrier to permit itv rier is lowered into proximity to the bed,

means for releasing the pins from engagement with the pin carrier to permit them to settle in upright position on to the alley bed,

means urging the carrier to an elevated position, means releasing the carrier to permit 1t to move upward when sald pins have been `fully released, and means acting to automatically retard the release movement of so. y

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I the pin releasing means and then permit the rapid movement of the carrier releasing means.'

42. In a pin setting apparatus, a pin carrier movable toward and away from the alley, means for holding the pinsin position on the carrier, means for operating the holding means to radually deposit the pinsupon the alley, and means for varying the speed of operation of the holding means at the will of the operator. p

43. In a pin setting apparatus, a pin carrier movable toward and away :from the alley, means for locking the carrier adjacent thealley, means' Vfor holding the pins in position upon the carrier, means for releasing the pin holding means to deposit the pins upon the alley, means for releasing the lock, and means for returning the pin carrier-to its initial position. l

44. In a pin setting apparatus, a 'pin carrer movable toward and from the alley, means l for holdingthe carrier with the pins adjacent the alley, means for gradually depositing the pins upon thealley, means actuated by the last mentioned means for releasing the pin carrier,l means for raising the pin carrier to its initial position', and means for locking the carrier in its initial position.

45. In a pin setting apparatus, a pin carrier movable toward and away from the alley, rests for the pins o-n the pin carrier, means for lifting the pins from their rests to vertical position, clamping devices carried by the pin frame for holding the raised pins, means actuated by the pin carrier in its downward movement for operating the lifting devices and closing the clamps so as to hold the pins oii' the alley when raised to vertical position, means for gradually opening the pin holding devices. to quietly deposit the pins upon the alley, and means for returning the pin frame to initial position.

46. In a pin` setting apparatus, a pin carrier movable toward and away Ffrom the alley, means for storing the energy. of the moving carrier as it is moved from its irst to its second position, means -o-r locking the pin frame in its lowered position, means for releasing the energy storing means, means operatedby the energy storing means for gradually depositing the pins upon the alley, and means for restoring the pin carrier to its initial position.

47. In a pinsetting apparatus, a pin cars, rier movable toward means for holding the pin carrier .with the i pins adjacent the alley, means for depositing the pins upon the alley, and means operable by the depositing means for operating the holding means after the pins have been deposited so that the pin carrier may return to its initial position.

48. In a pin setting apparatus,y a pin carrier movable toward and away from the alley,

and away from the alle'ffnf means for holdin the pin carrier away from the alley, means or holding the pin carrier adjacent the allev, means for depositing the pins, manually operable means for releasing the first mentioned holding means, and means operated by the pin depositing means for releasing the means which hold the pin carrier adjacent the alley.

49. In a pin setting apparatus, a pin carrier movable'toward and away from the alley, means for holding the vpin carrier away from the alley, lmeans, for holding the pin carrier so that the pins shall be adjacent -the alley, manually operable means for releasing the pin carrier from its initial position, means for depositing the pins upon the alley, means Jfon/thereafter releasing the means which hold the pin carrier adjacent the alley, and means for returning the pin c aryrier to linitial position.

50. A pin lsetting machine for bowling alleys, comprising a frame suspended for ver-l tical movement above the alley bed and having pockets therein for receiving .pins to bepositioned, and setting means carrled by said frame for engaging said pins bodily above and below the greatest diameter of their body portions, said pin engaging means being 4further adapted to position said pins on said alley bed.'

51. A frame for receiving pins and positioning the same on a bowling alley, comprising a plurality of pin receiving pockets, pin engaging and positioning means mounted on said frame, means for normallyholding said pin engaging means out of engagement with the pins while the pins are in the pockets, and means carried by 'said frame for actuating thepin engaging means to engage the pins while in the pockets and position the same upon the alley bed, said holding means being automatically actuated to disengage said pin engaging means afterjthe pins have been positioned. i'

52. A pin setting machine for bowling alleys, comprising a frame movable toward and from the alley, bottom rests carried by the frame, guides for receivingthe pins and directing the bottoms thereof onu to the said rests and means for engaging the pins and,

positively controlling the movement-thereof while the pins are being positioned on the the alley, means for normally holding said pin positioningmeans out of engagement with said pins, and means carried by said frame for actuating said pin positioning means to remove the pins from the pockets and position the same upon the alley, said holding means being automatically actuated to disengage said pin positioning means after the pins have been posltloned.

54. A frame for receiving pins and posiy tioning the same on a bowling alley,-com prising a. plurality of pin receiving pockets for holding the pins ina recumbent position, pin lifting and positioning means mounted on said frame, means for normally holding'sad pin lifting and positioning means out vof 'engagement with'said pins, and means carried l and positioning means to engage the pins while in the pockets and-position the same upon the alley bed, said holding means being automatically actuated to disengage said pin liftin and positioning means after the pins have een positioned.

55. A frame for receiving pins and positioning the same on a bowling alley, comprising a plurality of pin reeeivlngpockets in which the pins lie in a recumbent position, pin engaging and positioningvmeans for liftlng and vremovng the pins from the pockets and position the same on the alley, means for actuating the pin engaging and positioning means to engage the pins while in the pockets and position the same upon the alley, and means for operating the pin.l engaging and positioning means to release the latter after the pins have been positioned.

In testimony whereof I a'ifix my signature.

JOHN CLAYTON BACKUS. [L. s,]

said frame for-actuating said pin lifting y 

